Jeremy Jensen - Levitation Project

JASON PRIGGE

WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO WORK FOR THE LEVITATION PROJECT? WHAT WAS THE DECIDING FACTOR?

The art, the athletes, the staff, the movement. The momentum Levitation Project has generated is unparalleled in the in the snow world. I could sense the passion to do this thing the right way and that’s what sealed the deal for me. Also, I felt I could add something to the equation. As a former ski athlete turned industrial designer I see my role in interacting with the athletes and then turning their ideas into innovative products.

WHAT MAKES THE LEVITATION PROJECT DIFFERENT FROM OTHER BRANDS?

The best thing is that LP is not just looking at other companies and hitting the copy and print button. I see real differences in the approach and commitment to the snow community by supporting the athletes and offering skiers and riders a link to the pulse.

On top of that the focus on sustainability and conscience in the products - and I do say focus – this is not just another “ECO-marketing campaign” to capitalize on a trend.

WHAT ARE YOUR GOALS AS A DESIGNER? HOW DOES DESIGNING FOR THE LEVITATION PROJECT PUSH YOU?

My goals are to design products that increase the enjoyment and simplicity of shredding in the mountains. Also, to explore local manufacturing and resources, “Eat local / buy local” why not manufacture local? Although there are limitations here, I think the first question designers should be asking is how the products we create can have less impact - throughout the entire life cycle of the product.

Designing for LP also opens me up to a pool of talented people with thought provoking views – It continues to push me to look at projects from different angles that I might not have noticed before.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PRODUCT TO DESIGN? WHAT IS YOUR SPECIALTY?

I like designing all outdoor and action sports products really, but I design a lot of backpacks, gear and travel bags, the thing I like most about it is that there’s about a million different ways to create a bag to carry your gear. So it’s pretty wide open. It’s also very hands on and a good pack design made by a master craftsman will last a lifetime.

TOP 5 PEOPLE YOU RESPECT ALIVE OR DEAD?

  1. Barack Obama – he came into a shitstorm and is doing a pretty good job redirecting us back to what’s important.
  2. Jason Tattersall – Legendary Jackson Hole skier. Pretty much taught me everything I didn’t know, but needed to know about skiing, biking, training and nutrition.
  3. Shane McConkey – mentored us all and changed an industry for the better by pushing change – oh yeah, and making fun of himself for our enjoyment! RIP Shane.
  4. Jon Stewart – the guy’s just funny and he tells it like it is.
  5. My wife Molly – she keeps my head on straight.

BEST MOUNTAIN YOU HAVE EVER SHREDDED?

Jackson Hole, WY. Disclamer: with powder.

TOP 5 DAYS?

  1. Skiing Meteorite in Valdez, AK
  2. Skipping school and hitting “Big Monday” on the ridge at Bridger Bowl with the MT crew.
  3. Climbing and skiing the Grand Teton.
  4. Morning dawn patrols in the canyons.
  5. Any powder day at Snowbird with first tracks on Baldy.

BEST PLACE YOU HAVE EVER TRAVELED TO AND WHY?

Alaska. No comment needed.

WHERE WERE YOU A YEAR AGO?

In Little Cottonwood Canyon wondering who the hell is putting up all the damn Levitation stickers!

WHERE ARE YOU NOW?

Putting up the stickers...

WHERE WILL YOU BE NEXT YEAR?

Entrenched in a movement and continuing to bring innovative products to light.